We believe that diverse young talent is the future of the creative industry.
RA*W - a non-profit organisation based in Amsterdam. RA*W offers a platform for young talent to develop their careers and themselves. Are you a student or a starter with 0 - 5 years of experience? Come join our community of ambitious young talent in the Dutch creative industry. The RA*W community is open to everyone: just follow our social channels and you're in! Our industry can be a tough one to get into, with different aspects often remaining unknown when you’re just starting out. That’s why we educate students on what the advertising industry entails and offer them a pathway into the creative industry. We help young professionals to further develop their skill set as they progress in the field.
We are RA*W. We believe that diverse young talent is the future of the creative industry.
Talent deserves to grow. Talent deserves to be included. Talent deserves investment from our beloved industry.
That’s where we come in.
To guide new generations into the established world of advertising. To inspire. To connect. To expand perspectives.
Because every talent should be able to grow in our creative industry. RA*W is here for rising stars. And it’s time to shine.
But, how?
Throughout the year, RA*W brings young talent closer to the industry through events that cut straight to the core of what it takes to thrive in advertising.
Agency Sessions with leading agencies, production companies, media companies, and more to share real-world insights and spark fresh ideas. From a Career Hotline and skill-building to hands-on pitches and open discussions with our Real Talks on sensitive topics, we provide a safe space to explore, learn, and connect. Our events bring ambitious talent to global stages, with our yearly CannesSummer Course, creating opportunities to network, grow, and reshape the future of our industry.
For more on our projects, check out the project page on our website!
With Nigerian roots but born in the land of frogs, Daniel brings a truly global perspective to the ad world. Having studied and worked across China and America, his creative process is powered by a blend of diverse cultures. Daniel is passionate about reading and illustration, with a soft spot for fantasy.
Susie Boogaerdt 't Hooft
Digital Designer at Accenture Song
Susie is a digital designer, but when she's not behind her laptop, she's probably busy with one of her hobbies, such as sewing blouses. You can recognize her by her positive attitude, likely wearing something colorful, with a preference for listening to house music (occasionally mixed with some ‘kinderen voor kinderen’ songs), and her wildly moving elbows and somewhat brutally honest opinions. She loves traveling and trying new things and won't be easily embarrassed.
Bram Jansen
Strategist - Lemon Scented Tea
With, arguably the most Dutch name around, Bram has a particular passion for Dutch ads, a not so secret guilty pleasure for Dutch music and an out-of-hand addiction for Dutch pancakes with kaas, stroop and poedersuiker🥞. His view on strategy? only one sentence needed: "Keep it simple, stupid". When the wind allows it, he is out kite-surfing at the beach. Because in his opinion, there is no better place to come up with ideas💭.
I view creative work as a way to solve problems in a fun and meaningful way. It’s a never ending puzzle that you can do for both people and organisations. Which is why joining RA*W felt like a good idea. Moving young talent forward is a great way to keep busy and make a difference. Besides working I like collecting old ADCN books, nerding out about many different topics, and having a party. In order to relax you can oftentimes find me in a kickboxing gym.
Neslihan Akkurt
Freelance Social Media Manager
🎀This social creative is always energetic, up for a new challenge and may or may not have an healthy addiction to TikTok. She has an unwavering passion for travelling, exploring new cultures, and the latest beauty trends!💅 Guided by the motto, "Be the change you want to see in the world,” she is committed to break new barriers with RA*W.
Sofie van den Berg
Post Creative Strategist VaynerMedia
Sofie’s curiosity drives her work as a strategist. She strives to understand what shapes platforms and culture to create consumer and societal change. Growing up across different countries exposed her to diverse perspectives, fueling her belief that advertising can be a force for impact, connecting brands and people. Outside of work, you’ll find her exploring city streets and curating Google Maps filled with hidden gems to share with friends.
Vincent Vervoort
Creative at Alfred
Vincent is a creative who loves sharp visuals and design, just like the sharp tones of a blues guitar solo drifting all the way into dreamy techno beats. When he’s not busy with art direction or guitar music, you’ll likely spot him surrounded by plants or somewhere out in nature (or just in his own house🌿👀). Some people call him an golden retriever, always ready to share good vibes.
Ayaan Nour
Account Manager Creative & Media Dept
Ayaan is an account manager passionate about crafting stories that connect. She partners with clients and her team to bring campaigns to life while striving to make the ad world more inclusive. As a Black Muslim Account woman, she hopes to inspire the next generation of talent and help them feel seen and empowered. Outside of work, she has a not-so-guilty obsession with binge-watching reality TV shows on Netflix.
Mateus de Moura Pimentel
Creative Strategist TBWA
Mateus isn’t just a creative strategist, he’s a cultural antenna tuned to frequencies most people don’t even know exist. Boring, average, irrelevant? GTFOH! He hunts magic in underground subcultures, niche communities, and overlooked stories algorithms can’t reach. You’ll find him reading at 3AM, people-watching in the streets, racking up passport stamps, or vanishing down TikTok rabbit holes, all in search of that one insight or idea. At RA*W, he unlocks hidden gems: diverse talents from outside the industry who can redefine it. Fun fact: he once flew to Japan to compete in the Pokémon World Championships.
Hidde Rasenberg
Creative Strategist/Founder of Yace Media
“Sure! here’s a short, concise introduction about”… Hidde! I’m a Creative Strategist, Video Director, and Founder with a simple life goal: making people happier through one of the world’s most-consumed creative arts: advertising. Starting with… myself, because I’m happiest creating social-first ideas that let people obsess over brands. Learning myself, it’s hard to do, but even harder is breaking into the industry. That’s why I’m committed to helping as many people as possible kickstart their creative careers with RA*W!
Want to join the board?
Want to help students and young talent in the Dutch creative industry? You can join RA*W! Every boardmember can be on the board for a two-year term. We're on the lookout for new board members every few months! Keep an eye out on this page.
RA*W ambassadors
Do you want to help us build the student community around RA*W? Join us as RA*W Ambassador!
As our ambassador you’ll be raising awareness about RA*W and bring our events to fellow students’ attention. You can do this by sharing our content on your social media, or by text, email, intranet.. You name it. Your ultimate goal is to make fellow students enthusiastic about RA*W and our events (note: you can invite people with your personal discount code. Sweet!). We’re also counting on you to keep us sharp and up to date about the latest trends and hot topics among students. That’s why we really want to get together on a quarterly base, to brainstorm about future sessions, college visits, new initiatives and more!
What's in it for you? You'll gather an insane amount of knowledge about the creative industry, expand your own network, get free access to all RA*W sessions and more. Reach out if you’re interested!